This fragrance-free lipstick applies beautifully, like a traditional cream lipstick, and adds full color to the lips in just one coat. A few minutes after applying, the texture takes on a matte finish and feel. This is absolutely not a moisturizing cream lipstick, but the stiffer texture does help keep it from feathering, and it fades more evenly (and wears much longer) than a standard cream lipstick.

There are several attractive shades, including a variety of nudes and reds that are workable for all skin tones.

Weaknesses: Several pricey products; Tattoo and Dark Circle Eraser is disappointing; Lock-it Tattoo Foundation is average at best, and, unfortunately, is the only foundation option; Autograph Pencil is the only eyeliner pencil, and it’s not worth the money; no powder or blush brushes.

Celebrity makeup lines are nothing new—we’ve seen dozens of them over the years—but this one is a first in that it shocked us a bit, and we are not easily shocked. Kat Von D’s claim to fame is her successful tattooing enterprise, and her role as a former reality TV show star—she also was once engaged to Sandra Bullock’s ex-husband. (You just can’t make this kind of stuff up.) Despite the ups and downs of her back-story, Kat Von D is now a makeup entrepreneur, and a good one.

The line launched in 2007 with only two eyeshadow palettes, cream lipstick, and eyeliner, but since has expanded by adding several new products, including the High Voltage Skin eyeshadow primer and Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick—both of which received our top rating. Also worth checking out are Sin-Full Mascara and Painted Love Lipstick. Just like most makeup lines, this is one to shop carefully; for every great product, there’s one that underperforms or ends up being a waste of money.

Kat Von D’s line of makeup products is actually quite good for the most part, and far better than we were expecting. This is definitely a brand to consider assuming you’re OK with the prices and the knowledge that in most cases you can find similar and even better options available for far less. (We are not okay with doing expensive when less expensive can knock your socks off!)

All Kat Von D makeup products come packaged with the line’s signature images of roses and thorns (perhaps to reinforce Von D’s love of tattoo design), which definitely makes these products stand out among a sea of blandly packaged makeup containers.

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.